A new phenanthrene-based bis-oxime chemosensor for Fe(III) and Cr(III) discrimination

The synthesis of two new 2,7-disubstituted phenanthrene-based bis oximes is described. The ability of these two compound for complexing heavy metal cations have been studied and complexation constants and complex stoichiometry for Cr3+ and Fe3+ complex have been determined. The fluorescent properties of ligand 2 make this compound able to act as a sensor able to discriminate between Cr3+ and Fe3+. Detection limits for these two cations have been evaluated.